Written questions by Antoniazzi.

Pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40390 on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, what steps her Department is taking to implement the recommendations of the Sullivan Review.

The Government has now published the independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous Government.We are considering the findings in light of ongoing policy work in this area.The Home Office recognises the contribution of this review to the important issues of accurate and consistent recording of data on sex and gender in statistics and research. We are considering the recommendations and the implications for policing and across the Criminal Justice System.

Pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40390 on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, what steps her Department is taking to implement the recommendations of the Sullivan Review of Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender, published on 19 March 2025.

The government has now published the independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous government. We are considering the findings in light of ongoing policy work in this area.

Pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40390 on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, if he will have discussions with his counterparts in Northern Ireland on the potential implications for their policies of the recommendations of the Sullivan Review.

The government has now published the independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous government. We are considering the findings in light of ongoing policy work in this area.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40390 on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, what steps her Department is taking to implement the recommendations of the Sullivan Review.

The government has now published the independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous government. We are considering the findings in light of ongoing policy work in this area.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40390 on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, what steps his Department is taking to implement the recommendations of the Sullivan Review of Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender, published on 19 March 2025.

The government has now published the independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous government. We are considering the findings in light of ongoing policy work in this area.The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office recognises that high quality disaggregated data is needed to meaningfully understand and evaluate our impact across our broad portfolio of international work. Our Inclusive Data Action Plan details our approach to ensure that data is disaggregated by age, disability, sex and geography.

Pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40390 on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, what steps her Department is taking to implement the recommendations of the Sullivan Review of Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender, published on 19 March 2025.

The government has now published the independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous government.We are considering the findings in light of ongoing policy work in this area.

Pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40390 on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, whether his Department plans to implement the recommendations of the Sullivan Review of Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender, published on 19 March 2025.

The Government has now published the independent review of the data, statistics, and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous administration.The Sullivan Review sets out a number of recommendations in relation to the collection of data on sex and gender identity, many of which are already being addressed.We have been clear that we must deliver safe and holistic care for both adults and children when it comes to gender, and that means accurately recording biological sex, not just for research and insight, but also for patient safety.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish a comparative analysis of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes in other advanced economies, including any measures taken to prevent disproportionate cost burdens on the beer and pub sector.

International comparisons of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are challenging due to differences in waste infrastructure across countries. The UK’s pEPR scheme covers more costs than those in other countries. For example, many European countries rely on 'bring sites' for glass recycling, which lowers collection costs. Furthermore, UK glass fees are likely to be higher due to the full inclusion of the costs associated with managing residual waste—waste not disposed of by consumers in recycling bins—something not included in the pEPR schemes of other countries. While the costs for different materials are apportioned accordingly, the UK aims to balance environmental objectives with the interests of all sectors, including the beer and pub industry.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to (a) review and (b) adjust extended producer responsibility fees to ensure they do not (i) adversely impact particular sectors and (ii) lead to unintended consequences in the supply chain.

Base fees for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are designed to reflect the net waste management costs incurred by local authorities, with future fee modulation intended to encourage the recyclability of materials. This policy approach, established in March 2022, has been informed by two public consultations under the previous administration. Producer fees for packaging are calculated per tonne of household packaging placed on the market. This ensures a fair distribution of costs in line with the regulations. From Year 2 of the EPR scheme (2026-2027), fees will be modulated to reflect the recyclability of packaging materials, with less recyclable packaging incurring higher fees. The types of packaging subject to higher or lower fees will be determined by assessments based on the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has considered adopting a phased introduction of EPR fees.

PackUK calculates the pEPR fees based on the full net cost of efficient and effective collection systems. Therefore, fees must be collected from producers in Year 1 of the scheme, it should be noted that the fees can be paid in quarterly to spread the cost. The UK’s pEPR policy has been under development since 2019, with extensive engagement and consultation providing businesses with a clear indication of the scheme’s design and implementation. This policy underwent consultations in 2019, 2021, and a final consultation on reforms to the Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) system in 2022. Additionally, in 2023, the four nations of the UK consulted on the operability of the draft Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024, and further amendments were made to address stakeholder concerns prior to final regulations being introduced.

Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will publish the allocation of monies received through extended producer responsibility fees.

PackUK will publish annual reports and financial statements, which will provide transparency on the allocation of funds received through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees. These reports will clarify how the collected fees are distributed and used to support the scheme’s objectives.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of extended producer responsibility costs that will be passed on to consumers; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of those costs on the affordability of food and drink.

The Department has assessed the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on both producers and consumers, including the potential effect on the affordability of food and drink. This assessment is included in Section 8 of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024: The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024. We are closely monitoring the potential impact of these costs on consumer prices and remain committed to balancing environmental goals with economic considerations.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his Department’s policies of the recommendations of the Sullivan Review of Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender, published on 19 March 2025.

Sex and gender in data, statistics and research is an important area of discussion, and this review contributes to this ongoing dialogue. Given the wide breadth of recommendations, the government has ensured that the review has been shared with all the relevant departments and policy teams, who will consider the findings in light of their ongoing policy work.

Whether her Department has had discussions with the DVLA on the timeliness of drivers receiving licence renewal reminder letters.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency sends reminders for vocational licences and ten-year photocard licence renewals 56 days before the licence is due to expire. For those renewing their licence at the age of 70 and those renewing a short-period medical licence, reminders are sent 90 days before the licence is due to expire. There are no plans to change these timescales.

When he has held meetings with the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to discuss his policy on legacy since July 2024; and what was discussed at each meeting.

I have met the Chief Constable of the PSNI on a number of occasions since I was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, including this week, to discuss a range of issues including the Government’s approach to legacy reform. This is in addition to written correspondence between the Chief Constable and I regarding legacy matters. Northern Ireland Office officials have also regularly met police officers in the PSNI’s Legacy Investigation Branch to discuss mutually relevant issues relating to legacy.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Australian government's introduction of tax relief for distillers from July 2026 on the UK spirits industry.

No formal assessment has been made by the department regarding this specific policy. As with all taxes, the Government keeps alcohol duty under review as part of its Budget process.

What assessment he has made of the potential role of no and low alcohol products in supporting the Government’s public health objectives on alcohol harm reduction.

Under our Health Mission, the Government is committed to prioritising preventative public health measures to support people to live longer, healthier lives.The Department will continue to work across Government to better understand how we can best reduce alcohol-related harms, including exploring the potential opportunities presented by No and Low alcohol alternative drinks. While the department has not made a specific assessment of the economic impact of the United Kingdom’s 0.05% alcohol by volume (ABV) threshold on British brewers we will continue to consider how alcohol labelling can be improved to support consumers make informed decisions about the products they are purchasing, whilst also promoting responsible consumption.

Media and Sport, what recent progress her Department has made in ensuring women and girls have access to (a) safe and (b) fair play in gender-affected sports at all levels.

We want to break down the barriers that prevent women and girls from being active, including but not limited to kit, facilities, time and cost. As a government, we are investing £123 million in inclusive grassroots sport facilities that will support more women and girls to take part in the sports that they love.Sporting bodies have a responsibility to protect the integrity and fairness of women's sport and the safety of all participants, particularly when it is not possible to balance those factors with inclusion.National Governing Bodies set their own policies for who can participate in their sports in domestic competitions. Our UK sports councils have produced guidance to help domestic sports bodies determine the right position for their sport.

What assessment he has made of the economic impact of the UK’s 0.05% ABV threshold on British brewers.

Under our Health Mission, the Government is committed to prioritising preventative public health measures to support people to live longer, healthier lives.The Department will continue to work across Government to better understand how we can best reduce alcohol-related harms, including exploring the potential opportunities presented by No and Low alcohol alternative drinks. While the department has not made a specific assessment of the economic impact of the United Kingdom’s 0.05% alcohol by volume (ABV) threshold on British brewers we will continue to consider how alcohol labelling can be improved to support consumers make informed decisions about the products they are purchasing, whilst also promoting responsible consumption.

If he will revise guidance on the maximum alcoholic strength at which a drink should be described as alcohol free from 0.05% to 0.5% ABV.

Under our Health Mission, the Government is committed to prioritising preventative public health measures to support people to live longer, healthier lives.The Department will continue to work across Government to better understand how we can best reduce alcohol-related harms, including exploring the potential opportunities presented by No and Low alcohol alternative drinks. While the department has not made a specific assessment of the economic impact of the United Kingdom’s 0.05% alcohol by volume (ABV) threshold on British brewers we will continue to consider how alcohol labelling can be improved to support consumers make informed decisions about the products they are purchasing, whilst also promoting responsible consumption.